Soccer is the easiest youth sport to outfit. There is almost nothing to buy. Cleats, shin guards, a ball, and a water bottle. That’s the whole list at every age.
The cost is in the league fees, the travel, and the year-round commitments. The gear is the cheapest part.
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Ages 5–7 (Mini-league or U6/U8)
Most kids at this age play short-sided games (3v3 or 5v5) on small fields. The gear list is minimal.
Cleats
Plastic-stud soccer cleats are standard at every age. For a 5-to-7-year-old, look for cleats with a wide toe box (kids’ feet are still growing wide).
How to choose: thumb width gap at the toe (with the kid standing). Heel should be snug, no slipping when they walk. Avoid black-only cleats; kids this age love color and they’re more likely to wear them. They will outgrow them in 4 to 6 months, so don’t overspend.
Adidas Predator Club youth cleats
Wide toe box, flexible outsole, rubber molded studs. The reliable starter cleat that fits most youth feet well.
Our take: Don't overspend at this age. A $30–40 cleat does the whole job. Save the budget upgrade for age 11 when they stop growing three sizes a year.
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Shin guards
Required by every league at every age. Cheap shin guards work fine until age 9 or 10.
How to choose: shin guards should cover from just below the knee to just above the ankle. Slip-in style is easier; strap-on stays in place better.
adidas Tiro Club shin guards
Basic strap-on guards in youth sizes. Covers the shin, stays put, meets every league requirement.
Our take: Cheap, and they do the whole job at this age. Spend the savings on the cleats.
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A size-3 ball
U6 and U8 use a size-3 ball. Smaller and lighter than the adult ball. Most leagues use them at practice, but having one at home is useful for backyard play.
How to choose: any major brand. Don’t buy the bargain-bin ball; it will lose pressure in two weeks.
Wilson Traditional soccer ball, size 3
Classic black-and-white panel ball in the U6/U8 size. Holds pressure, survives the driveway.
Our take: A backyard ball, not a shelf ball. The kid should be able to kick it every day without anyone wincing.
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Soccer socks
Long socks that go over the shin guards. Required for games. Most leagues sell team socks; some require them.
adidas Metro over-the-calf soccer socks
Over-the-calf socks that hold shin guards in place for a full game. Youth through adult sizes, most team colors available.
Our take: Check the team color first, then buy two pairs. One pair always goes missing by week four.
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A water bottle
Get one with the kid’s name on it. Hydroflask, Yeti, Camelbak, doesn’t matter. The label makes it come home. Write the name on the bottle with a paint marker. Label the lid too.
Simple Modern 32 oz kids water bottle
Insulated stainless steel bottle with a straw lid and carry loop. Comes in enough colors that every kid on the team has a different one.
Our take: Write the name on the bottle with a paint marker. It will still get left at practice once, but at least it comes back.
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Ages 8–10 (U10 / U12)
The game gets more physical. Shin guards matter more. Cleats get replaced more often. The ball size moves up.
Upgrade the cleats
At this age, kids are cutting harder and the ankle starts to matter. Look for a mid-cut or higher collar. Fit is the same test — thumb width at the toe, heel snug.
A size-4 ball
U10 and U12 typically use a size-4 ball. The same test: major brand, hold pressure.
Wilson Traditional soccer ball, size 4
Classic ball in U10/U12 size. Same construction as the size-3, holds air, survives the driveway.
Our take: Match the league size. Most U10 leagues use size 4. Having one at home gets them more touches than practice alone.
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Ages 11–14 (Competitive travel and club)
Club soccer is the main cost at this age. Gear is secondary to fees and travel.
A size-5 ball (full size)
U13 and up use a full-size ball. Worth owning one for practice.
Adidas MLS Club soccer ball, size 5
Full-size synthetic ball for practice and backyard play. Holds pressure, NFHS approved.
Our take: The club and high school game uses size 5. Own one so practice at home matches what they play at the club.
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Sizing notes
Shin guards: should cover from just below the kneecap to just above the ankle. Too short and they slide down; too tall and they restrict movement. Cleats: same fit test at every age — thumb width at the toe, heel snug, no slipping when cutting.